Top 10 Cultural Events in Paris for 2023

Paris’ 2023 cultural calendar promises a new season filled with surprising collaborations, refreshingly modern interpretations, and exhibitions that may help visitors view the world from a different perspective. If you are determined to immerse yourself in art this year, Paris is undoubtedly the place to be.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Picasso’s passing, a British menswear designer will revisit the artist’s masterpieces through a contemporary lens, while modern art collections address urgent climate issues, provoking thought and conversation.

Additionally, the iconic Musée du Louvre, the most visited museum globally, has reduced its daily capacity to enhance visitor experiences and is considering extending its opening hours. Expect a more tranquil atmosphere in the Grande Galerie.

Here’s a highlight of 10 of the most anticipated cultural events happening across Paris this year, all certain to enrich and inspire your creative spirit.

1. Chagall, Paris-New York

Atelier des Lumières
On view: February 27, 2023 – January 7, 2024

This immersive digital art space employs 140 video and laser projectors to animate static paintings with music and motion. The 2023 season invites visitors to enter the imaginative world of Russian-French artist Marc Chagall through a multi-sensory experience, brought to life by a dynamic soundtrack of classical, jazz, and traditional klezmer music.

2. Avant l’Orage

Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection
On view: February 8 – September 11, 2023

At one of Paris’s newest art venues, this thought-provoking exhibition encourages contemplation of light and darkness while addressing the pressing climate crisis. It features diverse forms of artwork, including paintings, photographs, and installations from artists such as Cy Twombly and Anicka Yi.

3. Basquiat x Warhol: Painting 4 Hands

Fondation Louis Vuitton
On view: April 5 – August 28, 2023

This exceptional exhibition brings together works created by iconic artists Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat during their collaborative partnership. Their artistic dialogue, which resulted in 160 paintings, will be showcased in what’s regarded as the most comprehensive exhibition dedicated to their friendship.

4. Manet / Degas

Musée d’Orsay
On view: March 28 – July 23, 2023

This showcase features an intriguing comparison of the styles of Édouard Manet and Edgar Degas, highlighting their significant influence on modern painting in France. It brings together over 100 works, including pieces never exhibited together until now.

5. Matisse: Cahiers d’art, le tournant des années 30

Musée de l’Orangerie
On view: March 1 – May 29, 2023

This unique exhibition delves into Henri Matisse’s creative journey during the 1930s, marked by artistic experimentation. It draws upon the renowned art magazine, Cahiers d’art, to trace Matisse’s evolution through frequently unseen masterpieces sourced from across the globe.

6. Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs

La Grande Halle
On view: April 7 – September 6, 2023

Explore the wonders of ancient Egypt at La Grande Halle, which features a global exhibition showcasing 180 artifacts, including royal masks and gold treasures associated with Ramses the Great. The showcase also includes immersive virtual-reality experiences transporting you to ancient times.

7. Picasso Celebration: Picasso in a New Light

Musée National Picasso
On view: March 7 – August 27, 2023